Chairman US Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Menendez says US-India relations must rest on adherence to democratic values by India.

In a letter to Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who is visiting India today, he drew attention to rising anti-Muslim sentiments, citizenship act, suppression of political dialogue in India and arrest of political opponents in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Bob Menedez said Modi government's ongoing crackdown on farmers and intimidation of journalists and government critics only underscore deteriorating situation of democracy in India. 

He asked the visiting defence secretary to express concern over these acts of Modi government, particularly repressive measures in Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir following abrogation of its special status.

Talking about Indian plan to purchase Russian S-400 system, he said the deal will be a sanction able act which will limit India's ability to procurement of sensitive military technology.